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Weaponized Heating of Ignited Plasma (WHIP)

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Navy
Contract: M67854-12-C-6526
Agency Tracking Number: N113-171-0324
Amount: $149,932.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N113-171
Solicitation Number: 2011.3
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2011
Award Year: 2012
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2012-02-06
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
7616 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Tucson, AZ -
United States
DUNS: 152362906
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Michael Butterfield
 Optical Scientist
 (520) 575-8001
 mike.butterfield@geost.com
Business Contact
 Raymond Copenhaver
Title: Director of Operations
Phone: (520) 575-8001
Email: ray.copenhaver@geost.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

Geost and the University of Arizona propose to develop a non-lethal weapon system based on dual-pulse femtosecond-nanosecond generation of dense plasma sparks in air at range. In this approach, the femtosecond laser pulse creates a dilute plasma filament, location of which is controlled through the temporal chirping of the laser pulse. The subsequent application of a high-energy nanosecond laser pulse results in the seeded optical breakdown in the filament region. The creation of the dense plasma spark is accompanied by a bright flash of visible fluorescence and a loud audible signal, both of which will serve as non-lethal deterrents. In the final system design, both the femtosecond trigger and the nanosecond heater pulses will have retina-safe emission wavelengths. In this program, we will leverage our unique experience with experiments and computer simulations of femtosecond laser filamentation in transparent media and our capabilities in commercialization and weaponization of advanced optical concepts.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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